Method for analyzing a patient&#39;s genetic prediposition to at least one disease and amplification adapted to such a method

ABSTRACT

A patient&#39;s genetic predisposition to a disease may be analyzed by placing, in the presence of probes, at least one type of amplicon, derived from the amplification of at least one polymorphic region of nucleic acid from the patient. The polymorphic region is a polymorphic region of interest with respect to the disease(s) being sought. The probes include at least one specific “low-resolution” typing probe that has the ability to hybridize to the polymorphic region of interest of at least one gene or a group of alleles of this gene carried by the amplicon and associated with the disease(s); and at least one specific “high-resolution” subtyping probe that has the ability to hybridize to the polymorphic region of interest of the allele or of the group of alleles specific for the “low-resolution” typing probe, the high-resolution probe(s) making it possible to distinguish the allele(s) associated with susceptibility and/or the allele(s) associated with resistance to the disease(s), according to whether or not they hybridize.

The present invention relates to a method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to at least one disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.

Each individual has his or her own genetic inheritance, inherited from his or her ascendants. This particular genetic context can sometimes actively contribute to the appearance and/or development of certain conditions: infections with a pathogenic agent (AIDS virus for example), autoimmune diseases (rheumatic diseases for example). The genes of the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC), in particular the genes encoding the HLA antigens (human leukocyte antigens), play a predominant role in the development of articular autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis (Lawrence, 1970; Stastny, 1978; Khan, 1979; Stastny, 1983; Gregersen, 1986; Gregersen, 1987; Stastny, 1988; Todd, 1988; Wordsworth, 1989; Nepom, 1989; Hiraiwa, 1990; Nepom, 1991) or ankylosing spondylitis (Brewerton, 1973; Schlosstein, 1973; Benjamin, 1990).

It has been possible to associate a considerable part of the genetic component of susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis with the HLA-DRB genes, which encode the β chain of the HLA-DR molecules involved in the presentation of peptides to T lymphocytes, a pivotal function at the center of the mechanisms regulating the immune response. More precisely, it has been shown that the presence of a particular sequence of five amino acids, corresponding to positions 70 to 74 of the third hypervariable region of HLA-DRβ1 molecules, is found for various alleles reported to be associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The involvement of this “shared epitope” corresponding to the sequences QKRAA (SEQ ID NO: 28) or QRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 29) or RRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 30) (one-letter amino acid code) is nowadays well documented. This molecular explanation is also coherent with the observation of progressive severity of the disease when the genotype comprises none, one or two susceptibility alleles, commonly termed dose-effect.

Ankylosing spondylitis is another inflammatory disease for which a very strong association with the HLA-B27 antigen (relative risk: 69.1) is observed (Baarsma, 1992). In 1977, Schlosstein published the strong association between HLA-B27 and various spondylarthropathies (Schlosstein, 1977). Various hypotheses have been put forward, again involving the function of presentation of specific peptides, in order to explain this association of HLA-B27 molecules.

A positive association has also been published between HLA-B27 and acute anterior uveitis (relative risk: 8.2).

The detection of HLA-B27 antigen(s) has a definite clinical value, as witnessed by the fact that this is a commonly carried out analysis recommended in the course of a rheumatology consultation.

The detection of one or more HLA-B*27 allele(s) is also possible using the molecular biology techniques of amplification and of analysis of the specific regions of interest.

Thus, in 1985, Weiss published the organization, sequence and expression of the HLA-B27 gene. In 1991, Hill published a technique for amplifying by PCR the polymorphic regions of the HLA-B gene and the detection of HLA-B*2703 by hybridization with a specific probe (Hill, 1991). In 1992, Dominguez published the description of the first method for genotyping B27, after PCR amplification of the polymorphic regions of the HLA-B gene.

Currently, with regard to rheumatoid arthritis, the identification of one or more susceptibility allele(s) is generally carried out routinely in the course of low resolution or generic HLA-DR typing, enabling in particular the detection of one or more HLA-DR4 antigen(s) or one or more HLA-DRB1*gr04 allele(s).

These tests are carried out by centers which specialize in the study of HLA genes, such as blood transfusion centers or certain specialized hospitals. This identification therefore requires the sending of a sample and the use of fairly laborious technology. There are therefore many negative consequences, such as:

-   -   the risks of losing the sample,     -   the considerable amount of time taken for this identification,     -   the relatively high cost of said identification, and     -   the lack of control of the party requesting the service over the         provider of the service.

The state of the art is very limited with regard to HLA-DR and rheumatoid arthritis associations, which use molecular biology technology.

In the context of ankylosing spondylitis, the state of the art consists essentially of immunology techniques. This is the case of patent application WO-A-95/30152, which allows the identification of the B27 antigen. Thus, with regard to ankylosing spondylitis, a simple search for the HLA-B27 antigen is conventionally carried out using a serological technique (flow cytometry or cytotoxicity, with a specific anti-B27 antibody).

These techniques are rapid, but false-negative reactions are sometimes observed due to masking of the B27 antigens by autoantibodies or peptides (Neumüller, 1993; Kirveskari, 1997). In addition, as with any technique for analyzing antigens expressed at the surface of lymphocytes, precautions for good conservation of the cells are necessary, and sometimes restrictive.

Still in this field, the state of the art also consists of molecular biology techniques. Thus, patent U.S. Pat. No. 4,971,902 relates to probes for diagnosing a patient's predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. These probes are based on recognition of the DRB1*gr04 group of alleles.

However, while this DRB1*gr04 group of alleles is effectively associated with rheumatoid arthritis, not all the alleles currently known (DRB1*gr0401 to DRB1*gr0427) are necessarily associated with this disease. The result of this may be that, if typing is limited to the DRB1*gr04 group of alleles, then depending on the alleles present, false positives which will unnecessarily alarm the physician and the patient may, besides true positives or true negatives, be obtained.

Whether a serological technique (analysis of DR antigens using a battery of sera of known specificity: results given according to the nomenclature DR1 to DR10) or a molecular biology technique (analysis of DRB1 alleles: results given according to the nomenclature DRB1*01 to DRB1*10) is used, the clinician is essentially interested in the presence of one or more DR4 antigen(s) or one or more DRB1*gr04 allele(s), possibly with the “dose-effect” information.

In the event of results suggesting a predisposition to the disease, a second test is generally carried out, using a “DR4 subtyping” “high-resolution” molecular biology technique, in order to specify the DRB1*gr04 allele (DRB1*gr0401 to gr0427 according to the official nomenclature in 1998), only the DRB1*gr0401, gr0404, gr0405 and gr0408 alleles being reported to be associated with the disease.

These tests are reliable but long, taking several days, and expensive.

The analytical method claimed allows an analysis which is simplified from a practical point of view, more rapid, taking less than two hours, after preparation of the amplicons, and relatively inexpensive.

To this effect, the present invention relates to a method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to at least one disease, consisting in placing a liquid sample containing at least one type of amplicon, derived from the amplification of at least one polymorphic region of interest with respect to the disease(s) being sought, in the presence of probes chosen in the following way:

at least one specific “low-resolution” typing probe capable of hybridizing on the polymorphic region of interest of at least one gene or a group of alleles of this gene carried by the amplicon and associated with said disease(s), and

at least one specific “high-resolution” subtyping probe capable of hybridizing on said polymorphic region of interest of the allele or of the group of alleles specific for the “low-resolution” typing probe, the high-resolution probe(s) making it possible to distinguish the allele(s) associated with susceptibility, and/or the allele(s) associated with resistance, to said disease(s), according to whether or not they hybridize.

In order to detect the presence of another allele, when a single allele of the gene or of the group of alleles of this gene has been detected, with at least one specific low-resolution typing probe, corresponding to the other group(s) of alleles, the method consists in placing the amplicons in the presence of at least one probe specific for at least one other allele, corresponding to the polymorphism of said gene or of said group of alleles of this gene detected by the low-resolution probe(s).

Each low- or high-resolution probe specific for the disease(s) being sought comprises at least one motif characteristic of said disease(s) being sought.

When the desire is to detect HLA-DR alleles for genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and other associated diseases, use is made of:

at least one low-resolution probe capable of hybridizing on the DRB1*gr04 group of alleles,

at least one high-resolution probe associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, capable of hybridizing with the following alleles: DRB1*0101, DRB1*gr0401, DRB1*gr0404, DRB1*gr0405, DRB1*gr0408 and DRB1*gr1402,

at least one high-resolution probe associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis, capable of hybridizing with the following alleles: DRB1*gr0402, DRB1*gr0403, DRB1*gr0406 and DRB1*gr0407.

In addition, use is made of at least one low-resolution probe capable of hybridizing on the DRB1*01 group of alleles and on the DRB1*10 allele.

When the desire is to detect the presence of another allele, when a single allele of the DRB1*gr04 group of alleles has been detected, use is made of at least one probe capable of hybridizing on the following alleles: DRB1*02, DRB1*03, DRB1*07, DRB1*08, DRB1*09, DRB1*11, DRB1*12, DRB1*13 and DRB1*14.

With regard to the probes relating to these alleles, use is made of:

a SEQ ID NO: 3 probe, for the DRB1*gr04 typing,

two high-resolution probes associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis:

SEQ ID NO: 4 for DRB1*gr0401,

SEQ ID NO: 7 for DRB1*0101, DRB1*gr0404, DRB1*gr0405, DRB1*gr0408 and DRB1*1402,

two high-resolution probes associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis:

SEQ ID NO: 5 for DRB1*gr0402, and

SEQ ID NO: 6 for DRB1*gr0403, DRB1*gr0406 and DRB1*gr0407.

More precisely, use is also made of a high-resolution probe, SEQ ID NO: 8, specific for DRB1*gr0405 and associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

In addition, the following two probes are used for the typing:

SEQ ID NO: 11 for the DRB1*01 group of alleles, and

SEQ ID NO: 15 for the DRB1*10 allele.

When the desire is to detect the presence of another allele, when a single allele of the DRB1*gr04 group of alleles has been detected, use is made of the following four typing probes:

SEQ ID NO: 13 for DRB1*02,

SEQ ID NO: 14 for DRB1*07 and DRB1*09,

SEQ ID NO: 16 for DRB1*08 and DRB1*12, and

SEQ ID NO: 12 for DRB1*03, DRB1*11, DRB1*13 and DRB1*14.

In any event, each low- or high-resolution probe specific for the alleles for genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and other associated diseases comprises one of the following characteristic motifs: QKRAA (SEQ ID NO: 28), QRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 29) or RRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 30).

At least one control probe capable of hybridizing with the set of DRB1 genes is used to allow detection of all the DRB1 genes, such as SEQ ID NO: 1: TTC GAC AGC GAC GTG GGG.

If the intention is also to detect alleles for genetic susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis and other associated diseases, use is made of at least one low-resolution probe, such as SEQ ID NO: 10, capable of hybridizing on the HLA-B gene and specific for the HLA-B27 group of alleles.

If the intention is also to detect genetic susceptibility associated with lupus erythematosus disseminatus, with collagen disease, with Sjögren's syndrome and other associated diseases, use is made of at least one low-resolution probe, such as SEQ ID NO: 19, capable of hybridizing on the HLA-DR gene and specific for the HLA-DRB1*03 group of alleles.

Whatever the detection sought, a maximum of 38.89% of the bases of the same low-resolution or high-resolution probe are replaced with at least one analogous base, such as inosine.

According to one variant of implementation of the method, each specific low-resolution or high-resolution probe is placed in a well of a microtitration plate, independently of the other probes.

According to another variant of implementation of the method, all the reactions are carried out simultaneously.

Prior to the method stated above, at least one amplification of the polymorphic regions(s) of interest is carried out.

Amplification of the polymorphic region(s) of interest associated with HLA-DR and amplification of the polymorphic region(s) of interest associated with HLA-B are carried out simultaneously.

According to one variant of implementation, a second amplification of at least one region is carried out, which is more highly targeted than that already carried out on the polymorphic region, this more highly targeted region being a region of interest with respect to the disease(s) being sought, and the amplicons obtained are placed in the presence of the previously defined probes.

According to this variant, the first amplification is carried out at the same time as, or prior to, the second, more highly targeted amplification.

The present invention also relates to amplification of a sequence corresponding to the DRB1*gr04 groups of alleles, with a view to using it in a method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis, which consists in using SEQ ID NO: 20 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO: 21 primers.

The present invention also relates to amplification of a sequence corresponding to the B27 allele, with a view to using it in a method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to ankylosing spondylitis, which consists in using SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23 and/or SEQ ID NO: 25 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO: 24 and/or SEQ ID NO: 26 primers.

In addition, the invention may consist in combining the two amplifications described in the two paragraphs above, with a view to using them in a method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis and/or to ankylosing spondylitis.

In this case, the amplification, in which the final concentration of primers for amplifying the sequence corresponding to the DRB1*gr04 groups of alleles is higher than the final concentration of primers for amplifying the sequence corresponding to the B27 alleles.

In one variant of implementation, the above amplification is combined with the amplification of a sequence corresponding to a more highly targeted region included in the DRB1*gr04 allele, which consists in using SEQ ID NO: 21 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO: 27 primers.

The attached examples are given by way of explanatory example and are in no way limiting in nature. They will make it possible to understand the invention more clearly.

The present invention relates to a method for detecting genetic diseases which is rapid and inexpensive. This novel technology may be used with all genetic diseases and particularly with rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and other autoimmune diseases, such as collagen diseases (lupus, scleroderma, etc.), also encountered during a rheumatology consultation.

It is a method dedicated to analyzing an individual's genetic predispositions to certain diseases, using a molecular biology technique which allows the simultaneous analysis of several genes. This method may be advantageously applied to the analysis of an individual's genetic predispositions for a disease, or a set of related diseases, associated with one or more genes. This method may be applied to the analysis of an individual's genetic predispositions to certain inflammatory autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

The advantage of this method is obtaining, in one step, with a multiple but single test, a complete set of relevant information of clinical interest (diagnostic interest, prognostic interest and interest in terms of therapeutic direction). The method can be broken down into several steps:

1) extraction of nucleic acids from a biological sample from the individual,

2) amplification of the regions of interest for which a polymorphism associated with a genetic predisposition to a pathological condition has been described, and

3) simultaneous analysis of the amplicons using a set of hybridization reactions implementing a set of molecular probes which allow the precise analysis of given alleles or groups of alleles.

I—EXAMPLE OF SIMULTANEOUS ANALYSIS OF AN INDIVIDUAL'S GENETIC PREDISPOSITIONS FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AND ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

1°) Extraction of Deoxyribonucleic Acids (DNAs) from a Peripheral Blood Sample:

This extraction is carried out entirely conventionally. In fact, it is possible to use any DNA extraction technique which makes it possible to obtain material which can subsequently be amplified using an amplification method such as the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). These cell lysis techniques, with extraction and then purification of the nucleic acids, are conventionally those recommended for genetic analyses, or rapid techniques using commercial products, such as QIAmp Blood Kit (trademark) from QIAGEN S.A.

2°) Simultaneous Amplification by PCR:

This amplification concerns the following loci

the HLA-DR locus: including the region of exon 2 corresponding to codons 5 to 94, according to the official nomenclature, of the HLA-DRB genes

the HLA-B locus: including the region of exon 2 corresponding to codons 25 to 114, according to the official nomenclature, of the HLA-B gene.

Table 1 below describes the primers used during the amplification of the two loci described above. It also gives the set of physicochemical conditions for carrying out this amplification.

TABLE 1 Simultaneous amplification of the regions of interest HLA-DR and HLA-B Primers P1 (5′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 20 CCG GAT CCT TCG TGT CCC CAC AGC ACG (5′ > 3′) P2 (3′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 21 TCG CCG CTG CAC TGT GAA G (5′ > 3′) P3 (5′ primer-B): SEQ ID NO: 22 or SEQ ID NO: 23 GGG AGG AGC GAG GGG ACC CCA G (5′ > 3′) or GGG AGG AGC GAG GGG ACC GCA G (5′ > 3′) P4 (3′ primer-B): SEQ ID NO: 24 ATC TCG GAG CCG GAG ACT (5′ > 3′) Reaction 10X TEMAG buffer (*): 10 μl mixture dNTPs (20 mM): 1 μl (0.2 mM final) P1 (30 μM): 0.8 μl (0.25 μM final) P2 (30 μM): 0.8 μl (0.25 μM final) P3 (30 μM): 1.3 μl (0.4 μM final) P4 (30 μM): 1.3 μl (0.4 μM final) AmpliTaq (5 U/μl): 0.5 μl (2.5 U) DNA: 100–500 ng H₂O: QS for 100 μl Amplification (5 min at 96° C.) + 10 × (10 sec at 98° C. + 30 sec at program 65° C. + 30 sec at 72° C.) + 30 × (20 sec at 96° C. + 30 sec at 65° C. + 30 sec at 72° C.) (*): 10X TEMAG buffer: 500 mM Tris-HCl, pH 8.8, 150 mM ammonium sulfate, 15 mM MgCl₂, 500 μM EDTA and 0.1% gelatin. 3°) Simultaneous Analysis of the Amplicons:

This analysis uses a set of hybridization reactions implementing a set of oligonucleotide probes which allow the precise analysis of HLA-DRB1 and HLA-B*27 alleles or groups of alleles which are important for studying genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis and to ankylosing spondylitis, in particular.

Table 2 describes the set of probes which is used for detecting these two diseases. The indications given, from left to right, are as follows:

-   -   the probe reference assigned in HLA nomenclature,     -   the sequence number assigned in this document,     -   the HLA gene concerned,     -   the sequence making up this probe, and     -   the location of the codons (three nucleotides) on the HLA genes.

TABLE 2 Oligonucleotide probes Location Probe SEQ ID NO HLA Gene Sequence (5′ > 3′) (codons) C+ 1 DR TTC GAC AGC GAC GTG GGG  40–45 C− 2 — TAT GAA ACT TAT GGG GAT AC  4 3 DR GAT ACT TCT ATC ACC A  29–34 QK71 4 DR GAG CAG AAI CGG ICC  69–73 GAG CAG AAG CGG GCC IDE71 5 DR CTG GAA GAC GAI CGG  68–72 CTG GAA GAC GAG CGG E74 6 DR AGC AIA IGC IGG ICI AII  69–75 AGC AGA GGC GGG CCG AGG QR71 7 DR CAG AGG CGI GII ICI GTG  70–75 CAG AGG CGG GCC GCG GTG S57 8 DR GCC TAG CGC CGA GTA  55–60 C + (B) 9 B AAA TAC CTC ATG GAG TGG GAG CC  25–32 (*) B27 10 B TGC CTT IGC CTT ICA GAT  90–95 (*) TGC CTT GGC CTT GCA GAT  1 11 DR TGG CAG CTT AAG TTT GAA  9–14 52 12 DR TAC TCT ACG TCT GAG T  10–15  2 13 DR CAG CCT AAG AGG GAG TG  10–15 7 + 9 14 DR IAG GTI GAC AIC GTG TGC  74–79 CAG GTG GAC ACC GTG TGC 10 15 DR GGA GGA GGT TAA GTT  8–13 8 + 12 16 DR CTC TAC GGG IGA GT  10–15 CTC TAC GGG TGA GT  3 19 DR CCG GGT GGA CAA CIA C  73–78 CCG GGT GGA CAA CTA C D1 17 DR GAA CAG CCA GAA GGA C  61–66 D6 18 B CTC GCT CTG GTT GTA GTA G 106–113 (*) (*) probe corresponding to the noncoding complementary strand

For certain probes, a second sequence in italic characters specifies the natural sequence, i.e. the sequence consisting only of the four nucleotides adenosine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G) and cytosine (C). The other sequences repeat the same nucleotides with the exception of the substitution of some with different nucleotides. In the present case, this is inosine.

Certain sequences do not contain any inosine, this is the case of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, 17 and 18. Others contain few inosines, this is the case of SEQ ID NO: 19, in which there is one inosine out of a total of sixteen nucleotides, i.e. 6.25% difference relative to the basic sequence. Others contain many more inosines, such as for SEQ ID NO: 6, in which there are seven inosines out of a total of eighteen nucleotides, i.e. approximately 38.89% difference relative to the basic sequence.

The use of inosines makes it possible to further improve the specificity of the probes with respect to the sequences to which they will hybridize. The specificity of the capture probes is clearly specified in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Main specificities of the capture probes Probe SEQ ID NO Specificity C+ 1 All DRB1* C− 2 None  4 3 DRB1*gr04 QK71 4 DRB1*gr0401 in particular, allele containing the motif QKRAA (SEQ ID NO: 28) corresponding to the shared epitope IDE71 5 DRB1*gr0402 in particular E74 6 DRB1*gr0403, gr0406 and gr0407 in particular QR71 7 DRB1*0101, gr0404, gr0405, gr0408 and 1402 in particular, allele containing the motif QRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 29) corresponding to the shared epitope S57 8 DRB1*gr0405 in particular C + (B) 9 All B* B27 10 B*27 in particular  1 11 DRB1*01 52 12 DREl*03, 11, 13 and 14 in particular  2 13 DRB1*02 7 + 9 14 DRB1*07 and 09 10 15 DRB1*10  3 19 DRB1*03 in particular 8 + 12 16 DRB1*08 and 12 in particular

In this Table 3, the term “in particular” is sometimes associated with certain alleles. The explanation lies in the fact that other alleles exist. Thus, with SEQ ID NO: 5, DRB1*gr0402 is detected, but also DRB1*gr0414. The latter is very rare, so rare that, to date, no study has been undertaken to link its presence to that of rheumatoid arthritis. However, since the motifs of these two alleles are similar within the polymorphic regions of interest, there is a strong chance that their susceptibility to this disease is identical.

Probes D1 and D6, corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 17 and 18, are detection probes.

They recognize the regions observed in all the alleles of the same gene. Thus, the SEQ ID NO: 17 probe is chosen in a conserved region of the HLA DR gene, while the SEQ ID NO: 18 probe is chosen in a conserved region of the HLA B gene.

This probe analysis may be carried out on microtitration plates or microplates, the format of which is standardized. These plates comprise individual strips of eight wells, which can be assembled depending on the number of tests to be carried out. Due to the demands of convenience and cost, the use of two strips per test is advantageous.

The objective is to obtain results with a minimum of strips, since the production cost must be as low as possible, while at the same time having a very high level of performance. This minimum corresponds to two strips.

In the case of rheumatoid arthritis and of ankylosing spondylitis, two strips may therefore be used, which will be named R1 and R2, respectively. While one possibility is provided for strip R1, two scenarios are possible with regard to R2.

TABLE 4 Organization of the multitest (distribution of the probes in the wells) Strip R1 Strip R2 Strip R2a C+ SEQ ID NO: 1 C + (B) SEQ ID NO: 9 C + (B) SEQ ID NO: 9 C− SEQ ID NO: 2 B27 SEQ ID NO: 10 B27 SEQ ID NO: 10 4 SEQ ID NO: 3  1 SEQ ID NO: 11  1 SEQ ID NO: 11 QK71 SEQ ID NO: 4 52 SEQ ID NO: 12 52 SEQ ID NO: 12 IDE71 SEQ ID NO: 5  2 SEQ ID NO: 13  2 SEQ ID NO: 13 E74 SEQ ID NO: 6 7 + 9 SEQ ID NO: 14  3 SEQ ID NO: 19 QR71 SEQ ID NO: 7 10 SEQ ID NO: 15 10 SEQ ID NO: 7 S57 SEQ ID NO: 8 8 + 12 SEQ ID NO: 16 7 + 9 + 8 + 12 SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 16

Strip R1 comprises a positive control (SEQ ID NO: 1) which makes it possible to detect all the alleles of the DRB1* gene, which makes it possible to verify that the region of interest between the primers P1 and P2 described in Table 1 was indeed that amplified. The negative control (SEQ ID NO: 2) has no diagnostic objective, it is present only to satisfy certain standards. This sequence is absolutely not specific for HLA, and corresponds to a random sequence which is not found in HLA genes.

SEQ ID NO: 3 allows the typing of the set of alleles which constitutes the DRB1*gr04 group. It allows the identification of all the DRB1*gr04 alleles, these alleles belonging to the group defined by HLA-typing techniques using serology, such as the DR4 group. It is a low-resolution probe, i.e. many alleles can be recognized with this probe.

SEQ ID NOs: 4 to 8 allow, themselves, the subtyping of some of the alleles which constitute the DRB1*gr04 group, specifying the allele(s) which share(s) a particular sequence. They are high-resolution probes, i.e. a few alleles, or even a single allele, can be recognized with one of these probes.

All these probes are used to detect the alleles containing the shared epitope, which are associated with genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. More particularly, the SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 7 probes make it possible to detect the alleles associated with susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, and the SEQ ID NOs: 5 and 6 probes make it possible to detect the alleles associated with resistance to said rheumatoid arthritis. The SEQ ID NO: 8 probe makes it possible to confirm the presence of a DRB1*gr0405 allele.

Strip R2 comprises a positive control (SEQ ID NO: 9) which makes it possible to detect the amplicons corresponding to exon 2 of the HLA-B gene, which makes it possible to verify that the region of interest between the primers P3 and P4 described in Table 1 was indeed that amplified.

It comprises, firstly, a SEQ ID NO: 10, which makes it possible to detect the B*27 group of alleles, and which is used to determine whether an individual is predisposed to developing ankylosing spondylitis.

The remainder of this strip consists of low-resolution probes, namely SEQ ID NOs: 11 to 16, which make it possible to complete the analysis of the two haplotypes of any individual, in particular indicating whether the presence of alleles for susceptibility or for resistance to rheumatoid arthritis, revealed with strip R1, relates to one or to both haplotypes (dose-effect).

Depending on the balance between susceptibility allele, resistance allele and neutral allele, the risks of developing more or less severe rheumatoid arthritis are different and the therapeutic means to be implemented will be adapted to this diagnosis.

In the case of strip 2a, the same configuration as strip R2 is substantially repeated, with the exception of two modifications.

Firstly, two reactions are grouped together. Thus, a single well contains within it two different probes, namely SEQ ID NO: 14 and SEQ ID NO: 16.

The well thus freed makes it possible to add a new probe, SEQ ID NO: 19, which is associated with the presence of DRB1*03 alleles (DR3). It is, in fact, judicious to be able to identify, in an independent manner, this group of DRB1*03 alleles, which is found to be associated with other diseases, such as lupus erythematosus disseminatus, collagen disease, Sjögren's syndrome or insulin-dependent diabetes for example.

4° Preparation of the Reagents for Analyzing the Amplicons Prepared:

The principle of reverse hybridization used is that described in document WO-A-93/02213 of the applicant, the content of which is considered to be contained in our patent application. Briefly, the specific capture probes are absorbed passively onto the polystyrene of the wells of strips assembled into microplates, by virtue of a modification of their 5′ end (presence of an —NH₂ function). The detection probes are oligonucleotides covalently coupled to the HRP (horse radish peroxydase) enzyme by virtue of a modification of their 5′ end (presence of an —NH₂ function). The composition of the hybridization buffer was modified as follows:

75 mM Na₂HPO₄.2H₂O,

25 mM NaH₂PO₄.H₂O,

pH 6.8,

500 mM NaCl,

2% PEG 4000,

0.65% of Tween 20,

0.1% of gelatin,

0.14 g/l of sonicated DNA,

0.001% of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, and

0.02% of bromonitrodioxane.

A multitest consists of a strip R1 and a strip R2 or R2a, as described in Table 4.

5°) Procedure:

1) Denaturation of the amplicons: 10 μl of denaturing reagent (2N NaOH) are added to 100 μl of prepared amplicon solution. Incubation for 5 minutes at 18–25° C.

2) Addition of 2 ml of hybridization buffer and of 0.2 ml of solution containing the detection probes.

3) Distribution of the mixture, in a proportion of 100 μl in each of the sixteen sensitized wells corresponding to a multitest. Cover with a self-adhesive sheet.

4) Incubation for 60 minutes in an incubator at 37° C. (35–39° C.).

5) Removal of the nonhybridized material by washing at 18–25° C.

6) Revelation of the enzymatic reaction by distributing 100 μl per well of substrate solution (OPD, orthophenylenediamine). Incubate for 20 minutes at 18–25° C. in the dark.

7) Reading of results: direct or recording of optical densities (reading at 492 nm).

8) Interpretation of the results.

II—EXAMPLES AND RESULTS

The results obtained with various samples with known HLA typing are shown below:

1°) First Sample:

The following two tables 5 and 6 represent the results obtained with two strips R1 and R2.

TABLE 5 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 — − SEQ ID NO: 3 898 + SEQ ID NO: 4 256 + SEQ ID NO: 5 1 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 10 − SEQ ID NO: 8 9 −

TABLE 6 Strip R2 Strip R2 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 0 − SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 0 − SEQ ID NO: 13 2044 + SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 1 − SEQ ID NO: 16 3 −

Because a strip R2 is used, two analyses are possible.

Firstly, the HLA-DR analysis shows that:

the SEQ ID NO: 1 probe is positive: the HLA-DR amplification and the hybridization test have functioned correctly,

the SEQ ID NO: 3 and SEQ ID NO: 4 probes are positive: a DRB1*gr0401 allele is present, and

the SEQ ID NO: 13 probe is positive: a DRB1*02 allele is present.

In conclusion, a single allele for susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (DRB1*gr0401) is present, the second allele being DRB1*02 which is neutral with respect to rheumatoid arthritis.

Secondly, the HLA-B analysis shows that:

the SEQ ID NO: 9 probe is positive: the HLA-B amplification and hybridization test have functioned correctly, and

the SEQ ID NO: 10 probe is negative: the B*27 allele is absent.

The patient whose sample was tested is not susceptible to ankylosing spondylitis.

The HLA typing of this first sample was:

HLA-DRB1*gr0401/1602, and

HLA-B*5701.

20°) Second Sample:

The following two tables 7 and 8 represent the results obtained with two strips R1 and R2.

TABLE 7 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 0 − SEQ ID NO: 3 261 + SEQ ID NO: 4 0 − SEQ ID NO: 5 312 + SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 4 − SEQ ID NO: 8 0 −

TABLE 8 Strip R2 Strip R2 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 0 − SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 0 − SEQ ID NO: 13 2300 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 0 −

There are four positive probes, which are:

the SEQ ID NO: 1 probe: the HLA-DR amplification and the hybridization test have functioned correctly,

the SEQ ID NO: 3 probe: at least one DRB1*gr04 allele is present,

the SEQ ID NO: 5 probe: at least one DRB1*gr0402 allele is present, and

the SEQ ID NO: 9 probe: at least one B* allele is present, but B*27 is not present since SEQ ID NO: 10 is negative.

A DR4 allele is therefore present, but this allele is of a subtype which is not involved in genetic susceptibility to RA (DRB1*gr0402). Identification of the second allele makes it possible to establish that it is DRB1*02.

The HLA typing of this third sample was:

HLA-DRB1*gr0402/02, and

HLA-B other than B*27.

3°) Third Sample:

The following two tables 9 and 10 represent the results obtained with two strips R1 and R2.

TABLE 9 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 — − SEQ ID NO: 3 4 − SEQ ID NO: 4 21 − SEQ ID NO: 5 1145 + SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 8 − SEQ ID NO: 8 0 −

TABLE 10 Strip R2 Strip R2 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 2228 + SEQ ID NO: 11 12 − SEQ ID NO: 12 1278 + SEQ ID NO: 13 877 + SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 5 −

Like the previous two examples, two analyses are possible.

Firstly, the HLA-DR analysis shows that:

the SEQ ID NO: 1 probe is positive: the HLA-DR amplification and the hybridization test have functioned correctly,

the SEQ ID NO: 3 probe is negative: no DRB1*gr04 allele is present,

the SEQ ID NO: 5 and SEQ ID NO: 12 probes are positive: a DRB1*11 or 13 allele is present, and

the SEQ ID NO: 13 probe is positive: a DRB1*02 allele is present.

In conclusion, there is no allele for susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, the two DR alleles were, however, identified at the generic level.

Secondly, the HLA-B analysis shows that:

the SEQ ID NO: 9 probe is positive: the HLA-B amplification and the hybridization test have functioned correctly, and

the SEQ ID NO: 10 probe is positive: at least one B*27 allele is present.

The HLA typing of this third sample was:

HLA-DRB1*02/1301, and

HLA-B*27.

4°) Fourth Sample:

The following two tables 11 and 12 represent the results obtained with two strips R1 and R2a.

The configuration with two strips R1 and especially R2a (see Table 4) makes it possible, in addition to the analysis of genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and to ankylosing spondylitis, to more clearly analyze genetic susceptibility to lupus erythematosus disseminatus, to collagen diseases, to Sjögren's syndrome and to other diseases encountered during a rheumatology consultation. This is carried out by combining, in a single well, SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 16, which contain probes 7, 8, 9 and 12, the specificities of which are described in Table 3.

TABLE 11 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 0 − SEQ ID NO: 3 275 + SEQ ID NO: 4 241 + SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 0 − SEQ ID NO: 8 0 −

TABLE 12 Strip R2 Strip R2 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 0 − SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 1832 + SEQ ID NO: 13 2 − SEQ ID NO: 14 849 + SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NOS: 14 + 16 67 −

There are six positive probes, which are:

the SEQ ID NO: 1 probe: the HLA-DR amplification and the hybridization test have functioned correctly,

the SEQ ID NO: 3 probe: at least one DRB1*gr04 allele is present,

the SEQ ID NO: 4 probe: at least one DRB1*gr0401 allele is present,

the SEQ ID NO: 9 probe: at least one B* allele is present, but B*27 is not present since SEQ ID NO: 10 is negative,

the SEQ ID NO: 12 probe: at least one DRB1*03, 11, 13 or 14 allele is present, and

the SEQ ID NO: 19 probe: at least one DRB1*03 allele is present.

An allele for genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis is therefore present, due to the existence of the DRB1*gr0401 allele, as is an allele for genetic susceptibility to lupus erythematosus disseminatus, due to the existence of the DRB1*03 allele, in this patient. There is no allele concerning B*27.

The HLA typing of this fourth sample was:

HLA-DRB1*gr0401/0301, and

HLA-B other than B*27.

III—OPTIMIZATION OF THE RESULTS

The objective was to improve the conditions under which the amplification should be carried out. The optimal conditions are given in Table 13 below.

TABLE 13 Simultaneous and optimized amplification of the regions of interest HLA-DR and HLA-B Primers P1 (5′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 20 CCG GAT CCT TCG TGT CCC CAC AGC ACG (5′ > 3′) P2 (3′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 21 TCG CCG CTG CAC TGT GAA G (5′ > 3′) P3 (5′ primer-B): SEQ ID NO: 25 GGG AGG AGC GAG GGG ACC GCA (5′ > 3′) P4 (3′ primer-B): SEQ ID NO: 26 ATC TCG GAC CCG GAG ACT CG (5′ > 3′) Reaction 10X TEMAG buffer (*): 10 μl mixture dNTPs (20 mM): 1 μl (0.2 mM final) P1 (40 μM): 1 μl (0.4 μM final) P2 (40 μM): 1 μl (0.4 μM final) P3 (30 μM): 1 μl (0.3 μM final) P4 (30 μM): 1 μl (0.3 μM final) AmpliTaq (5 U/μl): 0.5 μl (2.5 U) DNA: 100–500 ng H₂O: QS for 100 μl Amplification (5 min at 96° C.) + 10 × (10 sec at 98° C. + 30 sec program at 65° C. + 30 sec at 72° C.) + 30 × (20 sec at 96° C. + 30 sec at 62° C. + 30 sec at 72° C.)

The differences between the amplification conditions of Table 1 and of Table 9 therefore lie in the choice of the slightly modified primers P3 and P4, new concentrations of primers P1, P2, P3 and P4 and a temperature variation in the amplification program. The introduction of these modifications into the results is specified in Tables 14, 15 and 16, which each correspond to a different patient sample.

TABLE 14 Comparative study of the first sample Optimized Initial Optimized Optimized primers and conditions primers amplification amplification SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 >2500 >2500 >2500 SEQ ID NO: 2 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 3 97 171 202 365 SEQ ID NO: 4 52 95 59 42 SEQ ID NO: 5 959 1552 966 1472 SEQ ID NO: 6 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 7 17 44 31 45 SEQ ID NO: 8 0 16 0 3 SEQ ID NO: 9 1237 1708 1627 1792 SEQ ID NO: 10 211 363 394 414 SEQ ID NO: 11 3 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 12 882 895 737 791 SEQ ID NO: 13 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 14 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 15 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 16 0 0 0 0

The typing of this first sample is DRB1*gr0404/52.

TABLE 15 Comparative study of the second sample Optimized Initial Optimized Optimized primers and conditions primers amplification amplification SEQ ID NO: 1 789 1335 1240 1914 SEQ ID NO: 2 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 3 353 649 635 944 SEQ ID NO: 4 14 49 45 102 SEQ ID NO: 5 104 232 228 463 SEQ ID NO: 6 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 7 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 8 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 9 1822 >2500 2120 2240 SEQ ID NO: 10 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 11 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 12 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 13 1 5 2 1 SEQ ID NO: 14 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 15 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 16 0 0 3 0

The typing of this second sample is DRB1*gr0401/gr0402.

TABLE 16 Comparative study of the third sample Optimized Initial Optimized Optimized primers and conditions primers amplification amplification SEQ ID NO: 1 615 1156 1052 2098 SEQ ID NO: 2 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 3 429 691 679 1381 SEQ ID NO: 4 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 5 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 6 8 23 17 66 SEQ ID NO: 7 14 26 21 66 SEQ ID NO: 8 64 174 131 405 SEQ ID NO: 9 1348 2377 2089 2191 SEQ ID NO: 10 296 622 567 490 SEQ ID NO: 11 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 12 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 13 3 0 1 0 SEQ ID NO: 14 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 15 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO: 16 0 2 0 0

The typing of this third sample is DRB1*gr0403/gr0405.

All these values are OD values multiplied by one thousand (OD×1000). Since the maximum readable value is 2.5, when the number is greater than this value, the value is simply indicated as being greater than 2500 (>2500).

It is noted that all the highest significant values have been emphasized by placing them in bold. This involves only the positive probes. For the first sample, of the seven significant values, all of them are derived from the conditions optimized with respect to the initial conditions. Three are associated with optimization of the primers and four are associated with optimization of the primers and of the amplification. For the second sample, of the five significant values, all of them are derived from the conditions optimized with respect to the initial conditions. One is associated with optimization of the primers and four are associated with optimization of the primers and of the amplification. For the third sample, of the seven significant values, all of them are derived from the conditions optimized with respect to the initial conditions. Two are associated with optimization of the primers and five are associated with optimization of the primers and of the amplification.

Optimization of the amplification alone is less worthwhile than optimization of the primers alone or optimization of the primers and of the amplification. However, it is noted that, of the sequences corresponding to the nineteen significant values, eighteen are in favor of optimization of the amplification with respect to the initial conditions.

In comparing the amplification techniques according to Table 1 and according to Table 13, it is seen that the amplification is more efficient when the final concentration of primers for amplifying the sequence corresponding to the DRB1*gr04 groups of alleles is higher than the final concentration of primers for amplifying the sequence corresponding to the B27 allele.

IV—IMPROVEMENTS

In certain cases, ambiguities may appear. Thus, since the primers are not specific for DR4, other alleles are amplified, which may cause difficulties in interpretation. This is, for example, the case in the three examples below; the only solution is then to carry out a more highly targeted amplification on DR4, using particular primers as described in Table 17 below:

TABLE 17 Targeted amplification of a region of interest HLA-DR Primers P5 (5′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 27 GTT TCT TGG AGC AGG TTA AAC (5′ > 3′) P2 (3′ primer-DR): SEQ ID NO: 21 TCG CCG CTG CAC TGT GAA G (5′ > 3′) Reaction Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.3: 50 μM mixture dNTPs (20 mM): 1 μl (0.2 mM final) P2 (30 μM): 1 μl (0.3 μM final) P5 (30 μM): 1 μl (0.3 μM final) AmpliTaq (5 U/μl): 0.3 μl (1.5 U) DNA: 100–500 ng H₂O: QS for 100 μl Amplification (2 min at 95° C.) + 32 × (30 sec at 95° C. + 30 sec program at 55° C. + 30 sec at 72° C.) + 30 × (20 sec at 96° C. + 30 sec at 62° C. + 30 sec at 72° C. + 7 min at 72° C.)

The examples which show such ambiguities and the resolution thereof are as follows.

1°) First Sample:

TABLE 18 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 197 + SEQ ID NO: 4 182 + SEQ ID NO: 5 1692 + SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 11 − SEQ ID NO: 8 3 −

TABLE 19 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 0 − SEQ ID NO: 11 2 − SEQ ID NO: 12 1519 + SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 0 −

In this case, it is not possible, without taking a risk, to differentiate, within the DRB1*gr04 group (SEQ ID NO: 3 is positive) between DRB1*gr0401 (SEQ ID NO: 4 is positive) and DRB1*gr0402 (SEQ ID NO: 5 is positive). The other allele is a gr52 (SEQ ID NO: 12 is positive). In addition, the crude figures tend to favor DRB1*gr0402, since SEQ ID NO: 5 has a positive value of 1692, whereas, for DRB1*gr0401, SEQ ID NO: 4 has a positive value of only 182.

Nevertheless, the second analysis will make it possible to differentiate these two alleles. This is clearly represented in Tables 20 and 21.

TABLE 20 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 2181 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 1281 + SEQ ID NO: 4 200 + SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 1 − SEQ ID NO: 8 0 −

TABLE 21 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 10 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 0 − SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 0 −

It is therefore clearly seen on this second analysis that it is DRB1*gr0401 (SEQ ID NO: 4 is positive), not DRB1*gr0402 (SEQ ID NO: 5 is negative). It is therefore possible to differentiate between DRB1*gr0401 and DRB1*gr0402, which is of considerable bearing, since these two alleles do not have the same impact on rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, DRB1*gr0401 is associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, and DRB1*gr0402 is associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis.

The typing of this first sample is therefore DRB1*gr0401/gr52.

2°) Second Sample:

TABLE 22 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 193 + SEQ ID NO: 4 21 − SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 72 + SEQ ID NO: 8 137 +

TABLE 23 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 1 − SEQ ID NO: 11 1 − SEQ ID NO: 12 1827 + SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 3 −

In this case, it is not possible, without taking a risk, to differentiate, within the DRB1*gr04 group (SEQ ID NO: 3 is positive), between DRB1*gr0404 (SEQ ID NO: 7 is positive) and DRB1*gr0405 (SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 are both positive). The other allele is a gr52 (SEQ ID NO: 12 is positive).

Nevertheless, the second analysis will make it possible to differentiate these two alleles. This is clearly represented on Tables 24 and 25.

TABLE 24 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 4 0 − SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 773 + SEQ ID NO: 8 560 +

TABLE 25 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 10 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 0 − SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 0 −

It is therefore clearly seen on this second analysis that it is DRB1*gr0405 (SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 are positive), whereas, if it was DRB1*gr0404 SEQ ID NO: 8 should have been negative. It is therefore possible to differentiate between DRB1*gr0404 and DRB1*gr0405, which has less of a bearing than the previous example since, according to current knowledge, these two alleles have the same impact on rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, DRB1*gr0404 and DRB1*gr0405 are both associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. Of course, the importance of this second analysis may vary if future knowledge proves one of these two alleles to have a more significant impact than the other.

The typing of this second sample is therefore DRB1*gr0405/gr52.

3°) Third Sample:

TABLE 26 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 237 + SEQ ID NO: 4 1 − SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 156 + SEQ ID NO: 8 563 +

TABLE 27 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 10 637 + SEQ ID NO: 11 2 − SEQ ID NO: 12 4 − SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 248 +

In this case, it is not possible, without taking a risk, to differentiate, within the DRB1*gr04 group (SEQ ID NO: 3 is positive), between DRB1*gr0404 (SEQ ID NO: 7 is positive) and DRB1*gr0405 (SEQ ID NO: 7 and SEQ ID NO: 8 are both positive). The other allele is a gr8+12 (SEQ ID NO: 16 is positive), which is neutral for rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, according to current knowledge. It should also be noted that, unlike the previous two examples, a B*27 allele is present. The second analysis will once again make it possible to differentiate these two alleles. This is clearly represented in Tables 28 and 29.

TABLE 26 Strip R1 Strip R1 OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 1 >2500 + SEQ ID NO: 2 <50 − SEQ ID NO: 3 1453 + SEQ ID NO: 4 0 − SEQ ID NO: 5 0 − SEQ ID NO: 6 0 − SEQ ID NO: 7 467 + SEQ ID NO: 8 1 +

TABLE 27 Strip R2 Strip R2a OD × 1000 +/− SEQ ID NO: 9 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 10 ND ? SEQ ID NO: 11 0 − SEQ ID NO: 12 0 − SEQ ID NO: 13 0 − SEQ ID NO: 14 0 − SEQ ID NO: 15 0 − SEQ ID NO: 16 0 −

It is therefore clearly seen on this second analysis that it is DRB1*gr0404, since SEQ ID NO: 7 is positive and SEQ ID NO: 8 is negative, whereas, if it was DRB1*gr0405, SEQ ID NO: 8 should have been positive, as in the previous example. It is therefore possible to differentiate between DRB1*gr0404 and DRB1*gr0405, which has less of a bearing than in the first example since these two alleles have the same impact on rheumatoid arthritis. Thus, DRB1*gr0404 and DRB1*gr0405 are both associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis. However, the comments made for the second sample may be reiterated.

The typing of this third sample is therefore DRB1*gr0404/gr8+12, with at least one B*27 allele being present.

V—CONCLUSIONS

As these examples prove, the method claimed makes it possible to simultaneously carry out, in one- or two steps, a search for genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, based on an analysis entirely dedicated to the information required by the clinician (DR1, DR4, DR10, DRB1*gr04 subtypes, presence of the motif QKRAA (SEQ ID NO: 28), QRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 29) and RRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 30), dose-effect) and also a search for HLA-B*27, often informative during a rheumatology consultation.

When a rheumatology consultation is carried out, the relevance of the HLA-DR and HLA-B27 information needs to be known. Simplicity, feasibility and rapidity of the test, with, consequently, a considerable financial impact, are the advantages of the method according to the invention.

BIBLIOGRAPHICAL REFERENCES INCORPORATED INTO THE PRESENT DESCRIPTION AS NEEDED

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1. A method for analyzing a patient's genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis, said method comprising: (1) placing a liquid sample containing at least one type of amplicon, derived from the amplification of at least one polymorphic region of the HLA-DR locus of nucleic acid from said patient, in the presence of probes including: one or more specific “low-resolution” typing probe(s) having the ability to hybridize with the DRB 1*gr04 group of alleles, one or more specific “high-resolution” subtyping probe(s) associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis and having the ability to hybridize with the following alleles: DRB1*0101, DRB1*gr0401, DRB1*gr0404, DRB1*gr0405, DRB1*gr0408 and DRB1*gr1402, and one or more specific “high-resolution” subtyping probe(s) associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis and having the ability to hybridize with the following alleles: DRB1*gr0402, DRB1*gr0403, DRB1*gr0406 and DRB1*gr0407, wherein the high resolution subtyping probes make it possible to distinguish between allele(s) associated with susceptibility and allele(s) associated with resistance, to rheumatoid arthritis, according to whether or not they hybridize; and (2) determining the hybridization pattern between said sample and said probes to analyze the patient's genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, said probes further comprising at least one low-resolution probe having the ability to hybridize with at least one allele selected from the group consisting of DRB1*01, DRB1*02, DRB1*03, DRB1*07, DRB1*08, DRB1*09, DRB1*10, DRB1*11, DRB1*12, DRB1*13 and DRB1*14.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the probes comprise: the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, for DRB1*gr04 typing, and at least one of: (a) at least two probes associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, said probes including the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, for DRB1*gr0401 typing, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, for DRB1*0101, DRB1*gr0404, DRB1*gr0405, DRB1*04gr08 and DRB1*1402 typing, and (b) at least two probes associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis, said probes including the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, for DRB1*gr0402 typing, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, for DRB1*gr0403, DRB1*gr0406 and DRB 1*gr0407 typing.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 3, said probes further comprising the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, specific for DRB1*gr0405, said probe being associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the probes comprise: the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, for DRB1*gr04 typing, at least two probes associated with genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis, said probes including the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, for DRB1*gr0401 typing, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, for DRB1*0101, DRB1*gr0404, DRB1*gr0405, DRB1*04gr08 and DRB1*1402 typing, and at least two probes associated with genetic resistance to rheumatoid arthritis, said probes including the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, for DRB1*gr0402 typing, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, for DRB1*gr0403, DRB1*gr0406 and DRB1*gr0407 typing.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the low resolution probes are: the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, for the DRB1*01 group of alleles, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, for the DRB1*10 allele.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the low resolution probes are: the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, for DRB1*02, the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, for DRB1*07 and DRB1*09, the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, for DRB1*08 and DRB1*12, and the probe set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 for DRB 1*03, DRB 1*11, DRB 1*13 and DRB1*14.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each low- or high-resolution probe specific for the alleles for genetic susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis comprises one of the following characteristic motifs: QKRAA (SEQ ID NO: 28), QRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 29) or RRRAA (SEQ ID NO: 30).
 9. The method as claimed in claim 1, said probes further comprising at least one control probe having the ability to hybridize with the set of DRB1 genes, to allow detection of all the DRB1 genes.
 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein a maximum of 38.9% of the bases of the same low-resolution or high-resolution probe are replaced with at least one analogous base.
 11. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein each specific low-resolution or high-resolution probe is placed in a well of a microtitration plate, independently of the other probes.
 12. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein all the reactions are carried out simultaneously.
 13. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one amplification of the polymorphic region(s) of interest is carried out beforehand.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein amplification of the polymorphic region(s) of interest associated with HLA-DR and amplification of polymorphic region(s) of interest associated with HLA-B are carried out simultaneously, beforehand.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, to obtain the amplicons, a first and a second amplification of at least one polymorphic region is carried out, the second amplification being more highly targeted than the first amplification, the more highly targeted region being a region of interest with respect to rheumatoid arthritis.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first amplification is carried out at the same time as, or prior to, the second, more highly targeted amplification.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 15, comprising amplifying the polymorphic region of HLA-DR locus with SEQ ID NO: 27 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO: 21 primers.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 14, comprising: amplifying the polymorphic region of HLA-DR locus with SEQ ID NO: 20 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO: 21 primers, and amplifying HLA-B locus with SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 23 and/or SEQ ID NO: 25 primers in combination with SEQ ID NO 24: and/or SEQ ID NO: 26 primers.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 18, in which the final concentration of primers for amplifying the HLA-DR locus is higher than the final concentration of primers for amplifying the HLA-B locus.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control probe has the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:
 1. 21. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the at least one analogous base is inosine. 